Packers’ draft pick had Rodgers reaching for the ‘sipping tequila’

We already knew Aaron Rodgers was not“thrilled”when his Green Bay Packers traded up in the first round of the NFL draft in April to select his heir apparent, former Utah State quarterback Jordan Love.

What we didn’t know was that while the Packers were looking to provide their future Hall of Famer with some stiff competition, Rodgers was fixing himself a stiff drink.

In a portion of a Ringer podcast that was released Tuesday, Rodgers said he was following the draft and “perked up” when he saw that Green Bay made a move from the 30th spot to the 26th. Because of delays in the telecast, which was held remotely amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, Rodgers said the first news about the Packers’ pick came from his agent, who sent him a text with a simple but potentially ominous message: “Quarterback.”

“I was like: ‘Oh, wow. OK,’ “Rodgers said.“I love Scotch, but I’ve been drinking some sipping tequila lately as well.

“And once I got that text, I went to the pantry and poured myself about four fingers. I knew it was going to be one of those nights where people were going to start calling.”

Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst said at the time that he did not call Rodgers to give him a heads-up about the pick but asserted that the 15-year veteran has “been through this and he’s a pro.” Gutekunst also described the drafting of Love as a “longterm decision” and said, “The way the board fell, this was the best decision for the Packers.”

Rodgers, 36, has talked of playing into his 40s, but he said it may happen with another team.